Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Charlotte is 116% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,504/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 42%
$78,438/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 45%
$351,500 ↑ 277%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 73%
$1,487/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 44%
886,283
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $638/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $7,656/year.

Median household income is $34,984/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Dayton — common questions

Is Charlotte or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Dayton?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $638/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Dayton?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $34,984/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Ohio?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charlotte details → View Dayton details →

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